PAMA Energy Study shows external roller shades save homeowners money.
Awnings and shades work with your AC to keep your home cooler and reduce the need for additional energy.
Roseville, MN (PRWEB) August 26, 2013
Recent record heat across the U.S. has reinforced the need for energy solutions in older homes. A recently released video from the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA) shows how investing now in fabric awnings and exterior shades can have an immediate impact on keeping older homes comfortable and reducing energy costs in the warm months still ahead, as well as in years to come.
Energy innovations for new homes are abundant but seldom apply to older homes. The video provides current data about this affordable, easy energy solution that can save homeowners in some areas of the country up to 50% in cooling costs. And, while record heat has already impacted homeowners this summer, a smart retrofit now will get them ahead of the curve in 2014.
“People don’t realize that there are eco-friendly ways to stay cool,” says Byron Yonce, MFC, past chairman of PAMA. “Awnings and shades work with your AC to keep your home cooler and reduce the need for additional energy.”
Fabric Awnings and External Shades Provide Measurable Heat Relief for Older Homes --
The video highlights a 50-city, 2012 energy study, sponsored by PAMA, that focuses on older homes in the U.S. These homes are typically smaller and less insulated than newer construction. Resulting data supports awnings and solar shades as “smart” upgrades for older homes.
For example, awnings on a home with single or double glazed windows in heat-ravaged areas of the U.S. like the southwest and east U.S. can reduce cooling energy by over 30% in a hot year compared to the same house without awnings. In a hot city like Miami, FL the estimated net savings was nearly $200.
“Fabric awnings are an easy home solution that keep you comfortable, while reducing energy used by running air conditioners at full-blast. This video provides a light overview of corroborating data,” adds Michelle Sahlin, managing director of PAMA.
The video and details on how the study was conducted, a summary report and data for each of the 50 cities are available at awninginfo.com.
About PAMA
The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is the only international trade association committed to the awning industry. PAMA membership is open to companies who are current members of IFAI and manufacture or sell awnings, as well as those who supply goods and services to the awning industry.